This is National Preparedness Month, and Lincoln-Lancaster County Emergency Management is encouraging residents to take steps now to be ready for an emergency. Emergency Management Director Jim Davidsaver says this year’s theme is “Americans Stand Ready.”
The campaign will focus on knowing the risks in your area, making an emergency plan, building an emergency supply kit and getting involved in the community. “If you do not have a plan, now is the time make one,” Davidsaver says. “If you do have a plan, review and update it at least once a year.”
Davidsaver says include an evacuation plan so you are ready if you are forced to leave your home with little notice. He says it’s important that families have enough emergency supplies to last at least three days, identify shelter locations at home, work and school, and have an evacuation plan in case they need to leave quickly.
He also encourages residents to review their emergency plans at least once a year and make sure supplies are up to date, including items needed by children, older adults and pets. Residents can learn more about emergency preparedness and building an emergency kit at Ready.gov. Emergency alerts and preparedness information are also available through the FEMA app.
Davidsaver says being prepared can help protect individuals and families while strengthening the community’s ability to respond and recover when disasters occur.